Apparatus for measuring the energy of electric currents.



No. 720,981. PATENTED FEB. 17,1903.

W. STANLEY.

APPARATUS FOR MEASURING THE ENERGY OF ELECTRIC GURRENTS.

APPLIGATIOK FILED JULY 16, 1902.

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VW. STANLEY. APPARATUS FOR MEASURING THE ENERGY 0P ELECTRIC OURRENTS.

APPLIUATION FILED JULY 16, 1902. R0 MODEL. 3 SHEET8-SHEBT 2.

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W. STANLEY.

APPARATUS FOR- MEASURING THE ENERGY 0P ELECTRIC GURRENTS.

APPLIUA'I'ION FILED JULY 16' 1902.

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UNITED STATES PATENT O FICE.

WILLIAM STANLEY, OF GRE AT BARRINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR TOSTANLEY INSTRUMENT COMPANY, OF GREAT BARRINGTON, MASSA- CHUSETTS, ACORPORATION OF MASSACHUSETTS.

APPARATUS FOR MEASURlNG THE ENERGY OF ELECl'RlC CURRENTS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 720,981, dated February17, 1903.

Application filed July 16, 1902. Serial No. 115,758. (No model.)

To all whom, it may concern: 7 Be it known that I, 'W'I'LLIFM STANLEY, acitizen of the United States, residing at Great Barrington,Berkshirecounty, Massach usetts,

have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Apparatus'forMeasuring the Energy of Electric Currents, of which the following is afull, clear, and exact description.

My improvement relates to apparatus for ID measuring the energy ofelectric currents;

and its object is to produce asimple and effective apparatus whichshall} beeasy to manufacture and accurate in operation and fill a demandnow existing for an inexpensive and efficient apparatus.

My invention particularly relates to that type of electrical measuringinstruments in which a movable'coil carrying a current is dynamicallyacted upon by the field of a nearby stationary coil, known in the art asan electrodynamometer. In such instruments, as is well known, there isproduced a torque of the movable coil exactly proper-- tional to theelectrical energy transmitted, 2 5 and they are employed in the arttoindicate, by the deflection of a suitable pointer, the value of theenergy transmitted in the circuit to which they are connected, but areincapable of integrating the sum of such en- 0 ergy over any given time.In devices embodying my invention the dynamometer is used in connectionwith other devices, so that it shall automatically integrate the torquedeveloped upon it, and consequently 5 indicate by suitable registeringdevices the sum of the energy that has passed, expressing such sums inunits of time.

The principal elements of the apparatus embodying my invention consistof, first, a 0 time-beater or a device for accurately producing a givenvalue of motion orgiven rotation of a wheel, for example,'in a giventime; second, an electrodynamometer or device for accurately expressingby its torque the value of energy transmitted through it from instant toinstant; third, an integrating system or arrangement for accuratelyrecording the sum of the torque values developed by the dynamometer interms of time.

spring 29 balance it and may therefore be expressed in inches. Thenumber of such inches per hour would therefore represent the value ofthe energy transmitted per hour, and the term inch-hours would beequivalent to watthours multiplied by a constant.

' My invention is embodied in a wattmeter, that being the kind of meterwhich is particularly desired, and consists of a device for indicatingequal periods of time, means for measuringtheenergy consumed d uringthese intervals, and means for integrating such measurements.

My invention is embodied in the apparatus shown in the accompanyingdrawings, in which Figure 1 represents a front elevation of the meter.Fig. 2 is a plan view. Fig. 3 shows the circuits. Figs. A to '7 show amodification. Fig. 4 is afront elevation of the modified form. Fig. 5 isa horizontal section of the same on the line Y Y. Fig. 6 is a view of adetail. Fig. 7 is a diagram of the circuits.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, A is a series coil. 7

B is a shunt or pressure coil in parallel with the lamps L or otherdevices to which the current to be measured is supplied. This coil B ismounted in bearings 17 b, so as to swing slightly within the coil A,tending toward the zero position by reason of the To the lower end ofthe shaft of the coil B is attached a pawl G, which engages withratchetteeth on th e wheel D,which is on ashaft journaled at d all It isheld from rotating in one direction by a pawl E. As the coil B swingsback and forth the pawl C rotates the wheel D against the action of thecoiled springs f, whose inner ends are attached to the shaft of thewheel D and whose outer ends are attached to a post Gr, mounted upon thewheel H. This wheel H has ratchetteeth with which the pawl I, acted uponby 5 the spring '5, engages to hold it from rotation, except when it isperiodically released. This periodic release is brought about by thetimebeater J and the magnetically-operated trip K actuated thereby. Thetime-beater consists of a coil- M, through which passes an iron shaft N,pivoted so as to swing freely.

n is a bar of iron carried thereby, and n is a balance-wheel attachedthereto, and 72 is a coiled spring normally holding the bar n slightlyout of alinement with the iron frame n To the top of the shaft N isattached a cam O, which, except when in substantially the position shownin Fig. 2, makes contact with the spring 0. As the shaft swings, the cam0 makes and breaks contact with the spring 0, in the former instanceshunting the current around the coil M and denergizing it. When contactis broken, the coil M is energized, magnetizing the armature n andgiving it an impulse which keeps it and the shaft and cam connectedtherewith swinging with a regular beat. Whenever the cam O and spring 0make contact, the magnet P, which is in series with the coil M, is alsoshortcircuited and deenergized. The cam O on each oscillation causes thespring 0 to move slightly on its axis 0', with the result that theopen-circuiting and consequent magnetization of the armature n takesplace during the latter part of each first half-oscillation. The makingand breaking of the circuit 0 by the cam O and spring 0 keeps thearmaturep of the magnet P vibrating, the spring p acting to retract it.This armature carries a pawl Q, which engages with the toothed wheel Rand causes it to rotate with the trip K, which twice during eachrevolution trips the pawl I and causes it to release the wheel H, whichthen swings around under the action of the springs f, causing the worm Scarried thereby to operate the integrating-train S. At the same timethat the trip K releases the pawl I the bar T makes contact with the twospring-terminals t t, which short-circuits the coil B.

U is a resistance inthe shunt-circuit.

When in operation, the time-beater J by opening and closing the circuit0 maintains its own oscillation and byenergizing and deenergizing themagnet P keeps its armature 19 vibrating. It also keeps the coil Bperiodically energized and denergized except when that coil isshort-circuited by the bar T and springs 15 t. Whenever the lamps L Lare in use, current flows through the coil A. As

soon as this takes place the current in the coil B causes it to move orattempt to move the wheel D against the action of the springs f. Theenergizing and deenergizing of the coil B causes it to rotate the WheelD step by step until the opposing force of the springs f becomes sogreat that the torque due to the currents in the coils A B is notsufficient to cause further movement against the springsf. Such ameasurement resulting in the production of a counter torque in thespring equal to the dynamometer torque is exactly proportional to theenergy in circuit. The wheel D is retained in its position by the pawlE, and when the pawl I releases the wheel H that wheel thereuponrevolves under the action of the springs f, transmitting to theintegratingtrain S a movement equal to that caused by the ratcheting ofthe wheel D, and thus producing an integration of the energy consumedduring the period consisting of one half-revolution of the wheel R.During the time that the Wheel H is revolving the coil B is denergized,so as not to act upon the wheel D, this being brought about by the bar Tmaking electric contact with the terminals t t.

Since the coils A and B are respectively series and shunt coils, it'willbe seen that the torque corresponding to the energy transmitted to thedevices L is indicated at frequent intervals by the movement of thewheel D and that the movements of this wheel are periodicallytransmitted to the integratingtrain S, resulting in an indication of thewatt hours or energy consumed in the translating devices L. Theapparatus, while simple, is remarkably eifective and accurate and can beused to measure both alternating and continuous currents.

In the second form of meter the swinging dynamometer-coil winds up thespring and the time-beater armature-shaft mechanically actuates themeans for marking the periods as distinguished from doing the samethrough an auxiliary period-marking magnet. over, the swingingdynamometer-coil is controlled mechanically instead of electricallyduring the time that the integration is being made.

Referring now to Figs. 4 to 7, 1 is the series coil of a dynamometer, 2being the shunt-coil, mounted to turn upon pivots 3 3. From theshunt-coil depend two arms 4: 4, which engage a frame 5, carrying aratchet 6, engaging with the toothed wheel 7. This wheel 7 is mountedupon the shaft 8 and carries two coiled springs 9, Whose outer ends areconnected to an arm 10, which is carried by a shaft 11. The shaft 8 hasits lower bearing 12 on the upper end of the shaft 11. The shaft 8carries a notched wheel 13, with which the pawl 1 L engages. The pawl 14is held out of contact with the wheel 13, except for a brief intervalduring which the pawl 16 is lifted from the wheel 15 on the shaft 11.The movements of these pawls are controlled by the cams l7 and 18, whichin this form are mechanically actuated by the time-beater, the workbeing done when the time-beater is energized. The time-beater consistsof an armature 20, mounted upon a swinging shaft 21 within an iron frame22. The armature 20 is magnetized by the windings 23, which aremagnetized and demagnetized by an automatic bridging arrangement,

consisting of the arm 24, actuated by the pin 25 upon the end of theshaft 21, so as to engage the contacts 26 26 at all times except duringthe latter part of each half-oscillation, which connection shunts thecurrent around More-.

the coils 23, as shown in the diagram Fig. 7. As the armature 2Ooscillates the coils 23 23 are alternately magnetized and demagnetized,

. being magnetized only during the latter part of each half-oscillation,thereby giving to the armature an impulse opposed by the springs 22 22,which tend to hold the armature slightly out of alinement with the frame22, thus maintaining the armature in motion, the mechanism constitutinga very accurate time keeping device. The pawl 27, mounted on the shaft21, engages with the wheel'28 when the time-beater is energized andperformsits work at that time.

In the operation of the meter the time beater not only short-circuitsthe current on its own windings 23 23, but also short-circuits thedynamometer-coil 2, with the result that the dynamometer-coil isalternately magnetized and demagnetized and magnetic impulses are set upcorresponding in value to the torque due to the currents flowing throughthe dynamometer. As the dynamometer-coil 2 has impressed upon it thesemagnetic impulses, it will, so long as it is free to do so, oscillateslightly, its torque being proportional to the energy in the circuit,and the pawl 6, carried thereby, will ratchet up the wheel 7 against thesprin gs-9. This ratcheting will continue until the reaction of thesprings equals the torque of the dynamometer-coils, at which time itwill stop. The time-beater, however, is operating continuously and itstrain, together with the cams 17 and 18, continues to move. At the endof each period of revolution of the cams 17 and 18 the pawl 14 ispermitted to engage the wheel 13 and the pawl 16 is lifted out ofengagement with the wheel 15. When this takes place, the shaft 11,carrying the wheel 15, is permitted to revolve under the action of thesprings 9 and does revolve until the springs are entirely relaxed, theextent of movement being recorded upon the indicating-dial whose trainis operated by the worm upon the shaft 11. During the time that theshaft 11 is being revolved by the action of the springs 9 the shaft 8 isheld from revolving by the pawl 14, which operates to prevent the coil 2from ratcheting up the wheel 7 during the interval that the springs 9are unwinding. The cams 17 and 18 are so proportioned that assoon as thesprings have been completely relaxed the pawl 16 is brought intoengagement with the wheel 15, thereby restraining it from furthermovement, and the pawl 14 is lifted from engagement with the wheel 13,thereby permitting the shaft 8 again to be moved by the action of coil2. This arrangement of parts is very simple and produces very accurateresults, dispensing with the auxiliary magnet of the first form anddoing away with manipulation of circuits at all points except at thetimebeater.

Referring to the diagram shown in Fig. 7, it will be seen that thetime-beater coil is in series with the shunt-coil of the dynamometer, sothat the two are simultaneously energized and deenergized. In case anauxiliary ratcheting-magnet is used, as in the first form, it too isplaced in series with these coils.

In both forms of meter there are definite separate periods ofmeasurement and integration, the mechanism operating during anintegration period to record an amount proportional to the torquedeveloped upon the springs during the preceding measurement period.

The method disclosed in the above description is described and claimedin my copend ing application, Serial No. 115,815, filed July 16, 1902.

The apparatus shown in Figs. 1 to 3, inclusive, is specifically claimedin my copending application, Serial No. 113,08i, filed June 25, 1902.

What I claim is- 1. In a meter, the combination of a series coil, ashunt-coil free to oscillate relatively thereto, a time-beater.acting tocause said shunt-coil to oscillate and means operated thereby forintegrating the torque due to the current in said shunt and series coilsat the ends of periods, each embracing a number of such oscillations.

2. In a meter, the combination of a series.

coil, a shunt-coil free to oscillate relatively thereto, a time-beater,acting to energize and deenergize said shunt-coil and means forintegrating periodically the torque due to the currents in said shuntand series coils.

3. In a meter, the combination of a series coil, ashunt-coil free tooscillate relatively thereto, a time-beater having an exciting-coil andmeans for making and breakinga shuntcircuit around said shunt andexciting coils, and means for integrating the torque, due to, thecurrents in said shunt and series coils, at the ends of periodsembracing a number of such makes and breaks.

4. In a meter, the combination of a series coil, a shunt-coil free tooscillate relatively thereto, a time-beater having an exciting-coil inseries with said shunt-coil, and means for making and breaking ashunt-circuit around said shunt and exciting coils and means forperiodically integrating the torque due to the current in said shunt andseries coils.

'5. In a meter, the combination of a series coil, a shunt-coil free tomove relatively thereto, a wheel restrained by springs and actuated bysaid shunt-coil, a second wheel actuated by said springs and means forperiodically releasing said second wheel and an integrating-train forintegrating its movement and means for preventing the action of theshunt-coil during the period of integration.

6. In a meter, the combination of a'series coil and a shunt-coil, meansfor periodically producing between said coils a torque corresponding tothe energy in the current used,

the pawl 6, wheel 7, springs 9, wheel 15, and r means for periodicallyreleasing the wheel 15 and an integrating-train for integrating itsmovement.

7. In a wattmeter, the combination of a dynamometer having a fixed andan oscillating coil, the forward movements of said oscillating coildepending on the value of the energy in the circuit, anintegrating-train operated by the forward movements of said oscillatingcoil, and means for communicating the forward movements of said coil tosaid train at the end of equal periods embracing a number ofoscillations of said oscillating coil so as to show by its indicationsthe watt-hours consumed in the circuit.

8. In a meter, a dynamometer, a ratcheting device controlled by thetorque of said dynamometer, period-marking means, an integrating deviceactuated by said ratcheting device through an intermediate spring, andstops controlled through said period-marking means for restraining andreleasing said ratcheting device and train alternately.

9. In a meter, an integrating system, a spring connected therewith, adynamometercontrolled system connected to said spring and impressing onsaid spring a torque proportional to the energy of the circuit, andmeans for releasing and restraining the systems connected to said springalternately.

10. In a meter, an integrating system, a

spring connected therewith'at one end, an actuatingdynamometer-controlled system connected to the other end of said springand impressing on said spring by a series of movements atorqueproportional to the energy of the circuit, and means for mechanicallyreleasing and restraining the systems connected to said springalternately.

11. In a meter, a dynamometer, a ratchet-- in g-pawl controlled by thetorque of said dynamometer, a continuously-oscillating memberindirectlyactuating said ratcheting-pawl,

and constituting part of a period-marking device, an indicating-trainactuated by said ratcheting-pawl through an intermediate spring, andstops controlled mechanically by 2 said oscillating member foralternately rel straining and releasing said ratcheting device and trainat the end of each period.

12. In a meter having separate measuring and integrating periods, thecombination of a dynamometer, means for impressing upon a spring step bystep a force proportional to the torque of said dynamometer during ameasuring period, and means operated by said spring for integratingduring a succeeding integrating period an amount proportional to thistorque.

13. In a meter having separate measuring and integrating periods, thecombination of a dynamometer, means for impressing upon a spring by aseries of impulses a force proportional to the torque of saiddynamometer during a measuring period, means operated by said spring forintegrating during a succeeding integrating period an amountproportional to this torque, and a time-beating mechanism marking 0Esaid measuring and integrating periods.

14. In a meter, the combination of a series .0011, a shunt-coil free tooscillate relatively thereto, means for producing magnetic impulsestherein, atorque-indicator, and means for integrating the indications ofsaid torqueindicator at the end of equal periods embrac ing a number ofoscillations of said shunt- 15. A device having a fixed period ofoscillation consisting of a stationary member and a" relatively movablemember forming parts of a magnetic circuit, windings for magnetizing thesame carried by said movable member, acircuit therefor, two terminalsconnected to one side of said winding and a lever connected to the otherside and means operated by said movable member for causing said lever tomake and break contact with said terminals alternately and a springopposing the movement dueto theimpulse received when contact is broken.

WILLIAM STANLEY.

Witnesses:

H. C. TUXBURY, J. F. Howns, Jr.

